Blog Post

Making your pop up more consistent and reliable starts with a solid foundation. Laying good foundations early is a key to your future progression.

Poping up requires one continuous explosive movement of balance and skill. As with any skill, it takes practice. The more you practice the more muscle memory you will store.

What does this mean? The more you practice at home, on the sand or in the water the movement pattern, force, and timing will be hard-wired into your brain.

If you are landlocked or you’re caught up in other commitment the good news is, practicing in the privacy of your home is an effective way to perfect you pop up. This with the right mechanics will smooth out the learning curve even just a little bit.

Let’s break down some of its components.

HOW TO RIDE PRONE

This is the first explosive movement of the pop up. This is difficult because it’s more about your strength rather than your technique.

√ Placing both your hands on the deck towards your chest, your arms are bent similar to chicken wings

√ Extend your arms andlift your chest up and away from your board creating space between you and your board to eventually be able to bring your leg through

√Looking forward, keeping your back arched and your feet together

MISTAKES

X Too much weight on either side and you will topple your board. Your weight has to be evenly distributed on the board

XToo much drag. If your body isn’t in the correct positioning on your board, you will create too much drag for the wave to collect you

√Use your arms for balance. Make sure they are out in front of your chest away from your back foot

√ Stance – Shoulder width apart or maybe a little bit more

√Feet arches over stringer or the center – Back foot is parrel to the tail, your front foot is at a 45-degree angle, max

MISTAKES

XPlacing your hands on the rails will create more drag and instability. Keep your hands on the deck towards your chest

XDon’t push up with your hands in front of you. Its impossible to pop up like this. Remember to push up near your pectorals

X Do not use your knees. Don’t be lazy and start to bring your knees up first rather than your feet. This is a really bad habit that takes years to get rid of. Never, ever start. When you progress in your surfing to bigger, steeper waves this technique will hold you back from making some of the takeoffs